Finally, Thiyagaraya Nagar has a Fire Station to attend to any emergency at the biggest shopping locality in the city. It began functioning from December 1 from a temporary location on South Usman Road, very near the T. Nagar bus terminus. Fire Department officials are searching for permanent location.
Speaking to The Hindu , Director of Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS), R. Nataraj said, with this addition, the city has 293 fire stations. “Earlier tenders were brought in from Teynampet Fire Station. The new station with 17 firemen and one fire tender will be able to attend to any emergency situation in the shopping area within minutes,” he added.
Mr. Nataraj also said there are plans to increase the number of vehicles and personnel for the T. Nagar station after a permanent location is identified.
Following the opening of the new fire station, the department proposes to conduct a few mock drills in the congested shopping area.
As part of the upgrading of fire services planned for Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore, TNFRS would open more fire stations and modernise existing stations with high-end fire fighting equipment.
“We have planned a fire station for Anna Nagar as tenders have to be rushed in from Kilpauk and Ambattur stations in case of fire. Stations on Old Mahabalipuram Road and East Coast Road are also on the anvil,” Mr. Nataraj said.
